Ministry of Environment
VICTORIA – British Columbians have a special way to leave a legacy for future generations through BC Parks' Planned Giving program.
The Planned Giving program provides a simple way for interested British Columbians to include provincial parks in their estate planning and makes gifting cash, financial securities or land easy.
"British Columbia's provincial parks are some of our most treasured spaces. Interested British Columbians have the opportunity to have their legacy live on through generous contributions to BC Parks' Planned Giving program,” said Terry Lake, Minister of Environment. “A planned gift is a thoughtful and lasting way to demonstrate a true commitment to our parks and protected areas.”
Donors identify a cause close to their hearts, making the donation a personal legacy for future generations of park visitors to enjoy.
Examples include trail development, education programs or support for conservation efforts in specific parks.
For instance, one BC Parks' donor, who prefers to remain anonymous, has decided he wants to leave part of his legacy in Garibaldi Provincial Park. First introduced to the park in 1966, he still visits it every few years. In the case of this generous individual, he has donated over $200,000 in financial securities over three years that will be used to upgrade the Mamquam Lake trail and install foot bridges. This project will be completed and ready for park visitors to enjoy this summer.
Although BC Parks is a government organization, a special account was created in 2008, separate from the provincial government's revenue fund, called the Park Enhancement Fund. The Park Enhancement Fund is a transparent account where individuals and businesses can make donations – small or large – to specific parks and/or specific projects that enhance our provincial parks or the services offered in them, like the Mamquam Lake trail upgrade. Donating money through BC Parks' Planned Giving program reduces the tax and capital gains burden for individuals and donations of $25 or more are eligible for an official tax receipt.